i've steered clear of them most of my life--but have had a few that have been tasty. i like the ones that have lots of nuts and have dried fruit, like raisins--i don't care for the candied fruit.
i didn't fit any of the poll categories, so i went with the last one!

Growing up in nothern New England, my French Canadian grandmother made some wonderful fruit cake. It had lots of different nuts and raisins, but it was "light" and somewhat refreshing, although you couldn't eat a lot at a time.
My grandmother would serve it with a dollop of freshly made whipped cream. Over the years, I've tried several different kinds of commercial fruitcakes and most of them are disgustingly sweet and cloying. I've come to think that it can only be good if it's homemade and fresh. Unfortunately, the recipe died with my grandmother. Good luck, Lurker

and it has SUCH a bad reputation that if you're going to give it as a gift, it'd better be good---and perhaps it should come with a little 'sample' piece to try before opening, so the receiver doesn't just automatically toss it, or re-gift it, untried!

The "poll" results so far are funny to me....only 25 % say "don't make it EVER" which should mean that more folks LIKE it than HATE it! SOme said they have a favorite recipe, and I hope they share it with you. You're a great imaginative cook, so I just know you'll figure it out. I just hope it gets posted on your site when you're done :-) I've tried out a few of your recipes and they are de-lish!

Well, I did it. I have three mini loaves cooling, with a larger cake almost ready to take out of the oven. It isn't difficult. I always pictured it as much harder to make. I did pick a light recipe. Maybe I can take it to work and not tell them what it is until after they've eaten some. Mwah, ha, ha...